Method

In stand mixer with paddle attachment, or in bowl using wooden spoon, beat together butter, icing sugar, vanilla and salt until light and fluffy; stir in flour just until combined.

Press dough into parchment paper– lined 9-inch (2.5 L) square cake pan. Using palm of hand, flatten to make smooth, even surface. Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Using knife, score surface of dough into 24 rectangles; prick each cookie several times with fork. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

Bake in 300 F (150 C) oven until firm and pale golden, about 55 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes; cut through score lines. Let cool completely in pan. (Make-ahead: Store in airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.)

Phyllo Crab and Avocado Cups

The combination of crab, avocado and corn blends salty, creamy and sweet. Stuffed into crisp pastry cups, it gives you a dinner party–worthy starter in just 10 minutes. For the best results, use fresh crabmeat, which retains more flavour than frozen.

Method

Rub beef all over with oil, garlic, thyme, salt and half of the pepper. Place on greased rack in roasting pan. Roast in 450°F oven until beginning to brown, about 19 minutes. Reduce heat to 275°F and roast, basting occasionally, until instant-read thermometer inserted in centre reads 140°F for medium-rare, about 1 hour. Transfer to cutting board; tent with foil. Let rest for 15 minutes before thinly slicing across the grain.

While roast is resting, drain all but 2 tbsp fat from pan. Sprinkle in flour; cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes. Stir in wine, scraping up browned bits with wooden spoon. Whisk in broth and remaining pepper; bring to boil over medium heat. Cook, whisking occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Strain through fine-mesh sieve; stir in parsley, mustard and any accumulated juices from cutting board. Serve with beef.

Mini Meringues

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These bite-size treats are fantastic on their own, but for an extra-special finish, you can dip them in chocolate or use them to sandwich your favourite fillings—think dulce de leche, jam, curd or chocolate hazelnut spread.

Bake in top and bottom thirds of 200°F oven, switching and rotating pans halfway through, until dry, about 2 hours. Let cool in oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven; transfer directly to racks to cool completely. (Make-ahead: Layer between waxed paper in airtight container; store for up to 1 week.)